On The Rocks, Bournemouth
Surf Folk band Willowen arrive at On The Rocks in Bournemouth part way though a very hectic December where they have a tour taking in 10 dates covering Dorset, Hampshire and Avon. The three piece have just released a new 5 track EP called the ‘The Orange Moon Beach Party which introduces some well matched violin in the form of Jasmine Watkiss to the band.to add to their already great sound.
First up we have the rather seemingly nervous Chloe Glover who takes to the stage with James Southard for a short set to kick off the evening, it not always easy to open, but Chloe’s nerves soon disappear and she soon finds her stride. Chloe’s set comprises of a few covers including Ollie Murs “Heart Skips a Beat” and Jesse J “Money”, she has a fine voice for one so young, showing promise for the future as her confidence grows.
Coke Can Jack are just a three piece tonight, somehow mislaying a bass player somewhere, the two acoustic guitars and Cajon were more than sufficient to entertain the expectant crowd. Barefoot Lead vocalist Jim Bryant was in a playful mood and exchanged some lively banter with tonight’s audience. Despite a few problems with the mysterious haunted microphone stand falling over a couple of times, they delivered songs such “Wild Woman” and “Cursed (With your Love)” with supreme laidback confidence giving the audience a great fun filled set.
Bournemouth’s Ant Henson met Saxophonist Elizabeth Bustard in a bar just recently and asked if she would join him on stage this evening for his set, thankfully she as up for a challenge and she agreed. Anyone who has seen Ant before knows he loves to push the boundaries and not one performance of his is ever the same, also joining Ant was blues harmonica player Tom. As well as his own material the set included two well chosen covers “What’s Going On”(Four Non Blondes) and as their was a saxophone in the house a tribute to the late Gerry Rafferty in the form of “Baker Street”. The set ended with “I Love You and I Miss You” one of Ant’s own quality compositions which rounded off his time on stage perfectly.
Willowen have slowly built up a nice following in and around the local area and despite their long run of gigs tonight was well attended by enthusiastic fans. Jonny(acoustic guitar/Vocals), George(Cajon/Vocals) and Jasmine(Violin/Vocals) make a sound like no other band, they have really created their own little genre, putting together a collection of great feel good songs that really entertain. Tonight the band seemed to have really found their pace and seemed to be really enjoying delivering a set full of very enjoyable highlights, including the very danceable “Drowsy Maggie” and last number “Dan’s House”.With other commitments up until the summer Willowen promise to return then for another tour and a new album, which I’m sure many people out there will be looking forward to.
Set-List
Pink Sky
Right For Her
Hippy Vampire
California Girls(Katy Perry)
It’s Own Sound
Drowsy Maggie
The Night Beach
Dan’s House
Videos
Coke Can Jack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AM-BzqzZ94&feature=plcp&context=C3f5943fUDOEgsToPDskLXOFnKCf10uiL7A7fDko4C
Ant Henson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLgQdcYLr1Q&feature=plcp&context=C3e34316UDOEgsToPDskJeO0mYS2kzDn6leQDxi_Pu
Willowen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U8gh1attYY&feature=plcp&context=C34abd4cUDOEgsToPDskKXfe2DKjFPWiG78HhxB_1t
More Videos from the show can be found here
http://willowen.bandcamp.com/
http://www.myspace.com/willowenuk
http://www.anthenson.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/cokecanjack
http://www.facebook.com/chloeglovermusic
Pictures, Videos, and review by Dave Chinery(Chinners).
